2023 Best Places to Live in Nebraska

• Suburb of Omaha, NE

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  Rating 4.46 out of 5  68 reviews

Current Resident: I've lived here my whole life and I've enjoyed the people and community immensely. The people genuinely seem to care about others and there are lots of small businesses and shops and activities to get involved with. There are lots of things for children. The schools are very good in my experience, the teachers and administrators seem to genuinely care about those they serve. There are lots of opportunities for growth whether that be personally, academically or otherwise. There is a myriad of activities to do for fun, as well.... Read 68 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Population 23,875

• City in Nebraska

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  Rating 3.86 out of 5  1,282 reviews

Other: Pretty big downtown area, and it has a big stadium where lots of concerts and baseball games are held! I watched Creighton college's game once, it has decent facilities as well. Big suburb area, that provides good schools! Some areas are very expensive, but mostly it is affordable housings.... Read 1,282 reviews

• grade A

• grade B+

• Population 488,059

• City in Nebraska

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  Rating 3.96 out of 5  851 reviews

Current Resident: Lincoln is a collection of several small towns that have been combined to create our state's capital city. The names of these former small towns are now the names of the respective neighborhoods within Lincoln. Several have retained their main streets and a neighborly atmosphere. New and old businesses complement one another. For those who enjoy shopping and urban exploration, each part of town offers something fun and often unexpected. If you like to eat out, you'll love Lincoln! Lincoln is a richly and peacefully diverse city. Many cultures call Lincoln home and we easily embrace this part of our heritage. We have neighbors of all colors, origins, orientations, identities, creeds and races. What we don't have is tension. We all enjoy a peaceful city to call home. Lincoln is always growing. The cost of living in Lincoln is so low that many families from the coasts move here. They have found that what they paid for a modest home elsewhere nets them an enviable house here.... Read 851 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Population 289,136

• Town in Nebraska

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  Rating 3.84 out of 5  32 reviews

Current Resident: I first came to Chadron as a first-year college student in 2012. I made the seven-hour trip to Chadron State College and remained there through my college graduation in 2016. I have now been living in Chadron for 8 years and will never leave. There are many things I love about Chadron. I truly love the remote location and the scenery around Chadron. There are many activities to enjoy outside, such as hiking, biking, fishing, golfing, and hunting. In addition, I love that there are college students in Chadron that make the town buzz. The students bring energy to the town and workplaces in Chadron. If I could change one thing about Chadron, if possible, is the housing market. There are many slumlords who buy cheap houses to rent to college kids, making the housing market suffer and making it difficult for others to buy a house. All in all, I love Chadron and everything it has to offer!... Read 32 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Population 5,376

• Suburb of Omaha, NE

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  Rating 3.26 out of 5  34 reviews

Current Resident: I love the Chalco area! Houses are in a variety of price ranges. There are plenty of places for kids to be active. We love walking around Wierspan Lake in the Chalco area. It is close to the interstate, which makes it easy to get to various places in the city. Great shopping centers are close by. Nebraska Crossing Outlets are right off of the interstate by Gretna. Oakview Mall is just a few miles away. There is an excellent indoor soccer facility and volleyball courts facility in the area as well. It really is a nice neighborhood right outside the city!... Read 34 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Population 10,688

• Suburb of Omaha, NE

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  Rating 4.28 out of 5  18 reviews

Current Resident: We built a home 2 years ago in Gretna and have really enjoyed our decision to live here! Currently not many good food options but I do feel like with the current growth rate we will see a lot of new things showing up soon. Neighborhoods are always lively and kids are always playing outside. Love that paved sidewalks are common here.... Read 18 reviews

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• grade A minus

• Population 5,106

• Town in Nebraska

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  Rating 4.38 out of 5  101 reviews

Current Resident: Kearney is where Nebraska's heart is located. In Kearney it's one's own personal choice of where your favorite place to eat or coffee shop is, because the city has a great variety of taste and abundance of selections for dining to choose from. Kearney is rich in history, flavor, and recreation. In Kearney I suggest you make a weekend out of it, because there's so many cool things for everyone to see and do. Go to the Great Platte River Road Archway Monument, head to Downtown Bricks and check out all the sites there and places to shop, go hiking or bike trailing, fishing, camping, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, etc. There's not a single park in town that doesn't have something for you to do. As a local I also suggest you to enjoy the Kearney nightlife, there's many breweries, cafe's, bars, and restaurants to do that. Check out Viaero Event Center where the Tri-City Storm Hockey Team plays and enjoy many other events like Disney on Ice, Concerts, and Comedy Shows. Life here is great.... Read 101 reviews

• grade A

• grade B+

• Population 33,558

• Town in Nebraska

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  Rating 4.27 out of 5  15 reviews

Current Resident: Seward is a humble little town by Lincoln. It offers a safe environment to raise kids and a community focused on agriculture. The people are friendly and currently, the city has been increasing in business due to more people and infrastructure being built. Although there is no nightlife apart from the small town bars scattered around. You'll have to go to Lincoln if you want to do some partying.... Read 15 reviews

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• grade A

• Population 7,651

• Suburb of Omaha, NE

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  Rating 4.29 out of 5  35 reviews

Current Resident: La Vista is a beautiful place. Despite being something like 80-85 percent white (and probably higher than that), we do claim the title of most diverse city in Sarpy County. Their is currently a huge redevelopment going on with the final phase not expected to be complete for another, like, 10 or 20 years. There is a lot happening in this pleasant little Nebraska community. If you'd like a fantastic place to raise your kids, this would be it.... Read 35 reviews

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• grade A minus

• Population 16,786

• Suburb of Omaha, NE

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  Rating 3.98 out of 5  186 reviews

Current Resident: I absolutely love Bellevue, NE. It is an extremely safe area. I wake up to the sound of birds in the morning and see families on evening walks every single day. All of the residents are Midwest polite and will offer help without being asked. If you want to step outside to take the trash out and be greeted by neighbors looking for a friendly afternoon chat this is the place to be. I couldn't say how many times I've accidently left my garage door open all day long and returned with everything untouched. Going for a jog or walk but don't want to carry your house keys? No problem! I regularly step out for some exercise while leaving my place unlocked without a worry in the world. It is a beautiful area with plenty of wide walking paths that hug gorgeous creeks. I've never been more impressed with living in the city. Bellevue has that homey safe feeling while being within minutes of the big city life.... Read 186 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade B

• Population 62,888

• Town in Nebraska

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  Rating 4.29 out of 5  7 reviews

Current Resident: David City; a small town in Nebraska is a very family-friendly place. There is a public and private school in town and four big parks. There is also a swimming pool so younger children spend a lot of time there in the summer. David City is perfect for creating families and sharing lasting memories.... Read 7 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A minus

• Population 2,981

• Town in Nebraska

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  Rating 3.6 out of 5  10 reviews

Current Resident: This town really is the perfect small town. The entire community is great about coming together and helping each other in times of need. The entire community also supports the school's activities, sports, and extra curricular. Ashland is also right in between Lincoln and Omaha which makes it easy to access the big city very easily. Just from growing up in this town, I know I would be more than happy to come back and raise my family here too after college.... Read 10 reviews

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• grade B

• Population 3,099

• Town in Nebraska

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  Rating 3.67 out of 5  21 reviews

Current Resident: Wahoo is a small town, allowing me to form close relationships with many of the people who reside there. Job opportunities in Wahoo are scarce, however, with only a few local businesses food places. It only takes a few short minutes to get from one spot in Wahoo to another, and the bigger cities are only a thirty minute drive away. There are two schools to choose from, Wahoo Public and Bishop Neumann, and both the students and parents from each of these schools are friendly and involved.... Read 21 reviews

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• grade B+

• Population 4,754

• Town in Nebraska

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  Rating 4.46 out of 5  13 reviews

Visitor: During my recent visit to Wayne County, Nebraska, I was struck by the natural beauty of the region. The rolling hills, expansive farmland, and pristine lakes offered a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. The friendly hospitality of the locals was also noteworthy - everyone I encountered was eager to offer suggestions for things to do and places to visit. It was clear to me that Wayne County is a special place, where the rich history and agricultural heritage are celebrated and preserved. I highly recommend a visit to this hidden gem in the heartland of America. The infrastructure in Wayne County requires immediate attention, as the poor condition of roads, bridges, and water systems can hinder economic development and compromise the safety of residents.... Read 13 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade B+

• Population 5,847

• Town in Nebraska

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  Rating 4.06 out of 5  17 reviews

Nearby Resident: I have been commuting to and from Waverly for as long as I can remember. This small town, just outside of Lincoln, offers more than you could imagine. Athletics are a huge part of this supportive community. All parents are welcome to enter their children into athletics at any age. I personally started basketball for Waverly Vike Hoops when I was a third grader at Eagle Elementary School. Being exposed to future classmates gave me a great advantage moving into Middle School. Now I am part of one of the most supportive schools in Nebraska. The atmosphere surrounding any high school activity, from clubs to sports, continues to leave me speechless. Schooling at Waverly is offered from infant daycare all the way to High School. Also included in this small town are multiple gas stations, a vet clinic, parks, restaurants,and a grocery store. I am beyond grateful to have the opportunity of growing and learning in such a loving community.... Read 17 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B minus

• Population 4,208

• Town in Nebraska

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  Rating 3.68 out of 5  28 reviews

Former Resident: There isn't a ton of things to do here in Blair, but everyone is super friendly, and the places to eat are delicious!... Read 28 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B+

• Population 7,725

• Town in Nebraska

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  Rating 4.33 out of 5  3 reviews

Niche User: This whole area of Nebraska especially here and all of the western area of the state is absolutely gorgeous! Here you can Canoe, horseback, camp and stay in log cabins, go to waterfalls, Mountains and hills to go hiking, fishing, boating, swimming, and in town there's several nice cafe's, wonderful downtown and motels, etc. I recommend driving through the whole area and then go west to Chadron, Nebraska is Indian country, this was their land and it is beautiful. There's lots of places you can drive 100 miles and not see any humans, just gorgeous scenery, lots of cattle and horses, birds singing, fresh water etc. The best water in the world, it sits atop the worlds largest aquifer, the whole Cherry County and west is well worth driving through, several ranches in and around to horseback, stay over, working ranches etc. Visit if you haven't because you will definitely not regret it.... Read 3 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A minus

• Population 2,634

• Suburb of Omaha, NE

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  Rating 4.43 out of 5  21 reviews

Current Resident: Bennington is a great small town for families or for people who want to start families. Just 15 minutes from Omaha and 30 minutes from downtown Omaha. There are elementary schools within the town and a junior and senior high school. There are many nice houses and activities that you can enjoy while in Bennington! It is not very diverse, however it is a growing community so it will be soon!... Read 21 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A

• Population 2,257

• Town in Nebraska

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  Rating 3.89 out of 5  9 reviews

Current Resident: We moved here in 2021. The people are friendly. We had no trouble making friends right off the bat. Good friends, we would never want to live without. Good church life here and plenty of churches to choose from. Another restaurant or two would be nice. There's not a whole lot to do on the outside but if you look close there are a few things. Baseball games, basketball and football if that's your thing. Arbor State Theater is nice and nostalgic. There are many opportunities to volunteer and help out.... Read 9 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B+

• Population 3,443

• Town in Nebraska

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  Rating 4.11 out of 5  19 reviews

Current Resident: The national monument is gorgeous. The people who live here are kind and always wanting to help a neighbor. The community stays close knit. The nearby town Scottsbluff has great sports teams that usually go to state. There are no night clubs but a few bars. There are plenty of parks to spend a nice warm day. The Oregon trail Parade and festivities are widely known and very fun. You can catch most people at the food fair or Carnival during the warm summer days and nights. I've lived here for all of my life but one year. I would love to live in Gering but job opportunites are scarce as we are an elderly community.... Read 19 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B minus

• Population 8,521

• Suburb of Omaha, NE

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  Rating 4.13 out of 5  15 reviews

Former Resident: Actually, if you're gonna live in Nebraska, Ralston is Awesome. Conveniently located to everything. Not so much crime as other areas have. Nice quiet lil' town. Every town has it's drug problems and stragglers, but aside those who try to dirty it up and ruin it, this is a cozy place to call "Home".... Read 15 reviews

• grade B+

• grade C+

• Population 6,453

• Town in Nebraska

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  Rating 4.3 out of 5  10 reviews

Current Resident: West Point Nebraska is a small town where everyone waves to you when you drive by. Every time I walk into the grocery store, I'm greeted by my name. We have a beautiful downtown, that has something to over to everyone. It is definitely a place to visit and make a home.... Read 10 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B

• Population 3,481

• Town in Nebraska

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  Rating 4.36 out of 5  11 reviews

Current Resident: Have you have had the genuine feeling of a small town? Or the sheer safety and friendly atmosphere that a small towns offers? Well let me tell you, it is a relief. I don't have to worry about the kids around the block or in the school system. That is Aurora. It is truly an amazing small town that has everything you need, with the caring, and loving individuals right by your side. Though we are a town with about four thousand people living in it, yet it feels like 500 hundred. Everyone knows everyone. Everyone does everything. Everyone helps out each other. I won't ever move away from the town, because there is nothing like little old Aurora, Nebraska.... Read 11 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A minus

• Population 4,642

• Town in Nebraska

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  Rating 3.86 out of 5  14 reviews

Current Resident: It's a nice small town. With some options for a little bit of everything that helps serve the community.... Read 14 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B

• Population 5,485

• Town in Nebraska

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  Rating 4.06 out of 5  36 reviews

Nearby Resident: Nebraska City is a small town, but larger than other towns nearby. There are plenty of options for places to go, things to do, and food to eat. The town tends to lean a little more conservative, though.... Read 36 reviews

• grade B

• grade C

• Population 7,206